Craig Gillespie, no stranger to unorthodox comedic fare having helmed "Lars and the Real Girl," is in negotiations to direct Red Hour Films' "Flamingo Thief," to which Will Ferrell is attached to star.

Michael LeSieur ("You, Me and Dupree") adapted the script, an adaptation of Susan Trott's novel. Story finds Ferrell playing a lawyer who becomes obsessed with stealing figurines of flamingos after his wife leaves him.

Red Hour principals Ben Stiller and Stuart Cornfeld will produce, while Aaron Kaplan and Sean Perrone of Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment will exec produce with Erica Steinberg, who brought in the project.

LeSieur's script appeared on last year's Black List, where Ferrell found his last quirky vehicle, "Everything Must Go." It remains unclear when Ferrell will turn his attention to "Flamingo Thief," as he's set to begin filming the "Anchorman" sequel later this year, and he's also attached to topline WB's football comedy "Three Mississippi."

Red Hour is currently developing a "Zoolander" sequel and a remake of the hit 2010 French comedy "Le Mac," with Ed Helms attached to star. Shingle is currently shooting "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," which Stiller is directing and toplining.

Gillespie directed "Mr. Woodcock" and "Lars and the Real Girl" before helming the Diablo Cody-scripted pilot for Showtime's "United States of Tara." He then reteamed with series star Toni Collette on DreamWorks' "Fright Night" remake, and most recently directed the Mira Sorvino pilot "Trooper" for CBS.

Helmer was most recently attached to direct "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" for Lionsgate, though that long-gestating project appears dead in the wake of fellow genre mash-up "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" underperforming at the box office.